Greenwood’s Resurgence: A Dual Narrative of Athletic Excellence and Controversy

omidbasir- Mason Greenwood, at just 23 years old, has already netted 10 goals in Ligue 1 this season, securing his position at the top of the scoring charts. Since his arrival in France, he has successfully rebuilt his rhythm, confidence, and role within his squad. Despite facing occasional criticism for inconsistency, this season has marked his most well-rounded performance to date. His recent brace in a 5-1 victory against Nice served as a potent reminder of why he was once heralded as one of England’s most promising talents.

However, his resurgence has inevitably drawn attention back to his controversial past. English journalists are set to cover him once again at the Velodrome, where Marseille will face Newcastle in the Champions League. They continue to associate him with a history marred by allegations of attempted rape and assault from 2022. Although the case was dismissed a year later due to retracted cooperation and new evidence, the stigma remains, particularly in England, where he has faced ongoing fan abuse.

Roberto De Zerbi has expressed admiration for Greenwood, both as a player and as an individual. He stated to reporters, “I never delve into the players’ private lives, but I can affirm that he is a good person. He has paid a heavy price for his past. He arrived in the right environment and has conducted himself well. He possesses a very reserved personality. It saddens me what transpired, as I know a very different individual than the one depicted in England.”

De Zerbi further remarked, “Against Atalanta, he performed admirably, as he did in Lisbon. While performances may vary, we are pleased with his progress, as I noted after the match against Nice. He is evolving into a more complete player.”

Following the dismissal of Greenwood’s charges in 2023, Manchester United acknowledged that he had “made mistakes,” yet concluded that the evidence did not warrant his contract termination. Nonetheless, internal and external pressures rendered his return to the club untenable. Getafe offered him a temporary reprieve, while Marseille has now provided him with a permanent fresh start.

Within Marseille, Greenwood is regarded as a respectful and dedicated presence, contrasting sharply with the negative public perception that follows him. Teammate Angel Gomes commented, “It all depends on the environment he’s given. He’s a genuinely nice guy. When he’s on the pitch, he’s enjoying himself. As a friend, he’s even better.”

Outside of club football, however, Greenwood’s future remains uncertain. Reports from England suggest that, having regained his form in France, he still harbors hopes of representing the England national team again, despite being effectively blacklisted by the FA and coach Thomas Tuchel. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, that dream seems increasingly elusive, although those close to him acknowledge that he still believes it is achievable.

Alternatively, Greenwood has recently acquired Jamaican citizenship through his family roots and was contacted by Jamaica’s head coach Steve McClaren regarding World Cup qualifiers. Unfortunately, McClaren was unable to reach the Marseille forward before he left his position.

Greenwood’s revival in Marseille has been remarkable. Last season, he scored 21 league goals and provided six assists, finishing joint top scorer in Ligue 1. His contributions directly earned Marseille 16 points and played a crucial role in returning the club to the Champions League.

From a footballing perspective, Greenwood has fulfilled every expectation placed upon him. However, the process of rebuilding one’s reputation does not progress at the same pace as sporting performance. Despite Manchester United’s admission of error, hostility—especially from English fanbases—continues to follow him across borders, manifesting in social media abuse, hostile chants, and scrutiny at stadiums, forcing him to repeatedly confront a narrative that the legal system has already moved on from.